‘NCIS: Origins’: Mark Harmon Teases What Brings His Gibbs Back

”I’m enjoying being back,” admits Mark Harmon, whom fans will see onscreen in every single episode of the prequel series’ third season. At least he admits that his reappearance in front of the camera is as much of “a surprise” to him as it was to viewers when it was announced this August. Harmon originated the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in April 2003 on JAG, later helming the spinoff NCIS. He dutifully stuck with the show until leaving in its 19th season as writers moved the former boss to Alaska, where he finally found peace. Since 2024, Harmon has narrated every episode (and appeared twice) of NCIS: Origins, which tracks Austin Stowell‘s younger version of the character in the ’90s.

And according to Harmon, we have that voiceover to thank for seeing him back onscreen as the present-day Gibbs. “This came off that in a way, because [showrunner David J. North] came up with an idea for the character in 1990,” he says, adding that, “It had to be an idea that I liked.”

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For now, Harmon wants to protect the storyline that brings him back, a mystery in the present that’s tied to his days at Camp Pendleton. But he does reveal, as glimpsed in the trailer, “The dog is going to be there,” referring to the canine companion that joined Gibbs during his appearance in last season’s crossover with the mothership. He also raves about what Stowell has done with Gibbs. “He’s the right guy to try to take this role. It’s weighty,” Harmon says.

Here’s what we do know: In the premiere, ghosts from Gibbs’ past catch up to him, shattering any illusion of retirement in Alaska. “For him to leave, something really big must’ve happened,” teases North. “We’re seeing Gibbs in a way we’ve never seen him before.” Stay tuned for “people popping up from his past in ways that are going to have fans going nuts.”

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The 1992 timeline will pick up directly where it left off — with Gibbs and his teammate Lala (Mariel Molino) sharing a kiss. “That was a huge moment for them, and it’s pushed their relationship forward,” says North.

The team also finds out Randy (Caleb Foote) was kidnapped, and it is connected to the work he was doing digitizing the NIS files. (The agency was rebranded to NCIS in Origins‘ finale.) “The whole agency rallies together. He’s so beloved, so bubbly, it’s tough to see a character like that in danger,” North notes, promising his fate will be revealed in the opener. For now, grab your gear!

NCIS: Origins, Season 3 Premiere, Tuesday, October 6, 10/9c, CBS